sion arrived at itself
implies that the more _special_ phenomena of organization cannot be so
dealt with.

* * * * *

There is yet another method of investigating the general truths of
physiology--a method to which physiology already owes one luminous idea,
but which is not at present formally recognized as a method. We refer to
the comparison of physiological phenomena with social phenomena.

The analogy between individual organisms and the social organism, is one
that has from early days occasionally forced itself on the attention of
the observant. And though modern science does not countenance those
crude ideas of this analogy which have been from time to time expressed
since the Greeks flourished; yet it tends to show that there _is_ an
analogy, and a remarkable one. While it is becoming clear that there are
not those special parallelisms between the constituent parts of a man
and those of a nation, which have been thought to exist; it is also
becoming clear that the general principles of development and structure
displayed in organized bodies are displayed in societies also. The
fundamental characteristic both of societies and of living creatures,
is, that they consist of mutually-dependent parts; and it would seem
that this involves a community of various other characteristics. Those
who are acquainted with the broad facts of both physiology and
sociology, are beginning to recognize this correspondence not as a
plausible fancy, but as a scientific truth. And we are strongly of
opinion that it will by and by be seen to hold to an extent which few at
present suspect.

Meanwhile, if any such correspondence exists, it is clear that
physiology and sociology will more or less interpret each other. Each
affords its special facilities for inquiry. Relations of cause and
effect clearly traceable in the social organism, may lead to the search
for analogous ones in the individual organism; and may so elucidate what
might else be inexplicable. Laws of growth and function disclosed by the
pure physiologist, may occasionally give us the clue to certain social
modifications otherwise difficult to understand. If they can do no more,
the two sciences can at least exchange suggestions and confirmations;
and this will be no small aid. The conception of "the physiological
division of labour," which political economy has already supplied to
physiology, is one of no small value. And probably it has ot